Nowruz Celebrations

Haji Firouz is the individual who traditionally heralds Nowruz (Iranian New Year).  He is dressed in red with a flat hat and soot-covered face.  His mission is to announce to everyone that spring is in the air, to cheer them up, make them laugh, and to usher in the New Year with happiness and laughter.  He plays the drum while dancing and singing his special song which carries a message of delight, laughter, and forgiveness on this occasion.

This year, Haji Firouz has decided to come to MAHAK once again, and bring broad smiles to the concerned faces of children and their families while giving them hope.  During his visit to MAHAK, he knocked on each and every child’s room while dancing and singing.

Every year, upon approaching Nowruz, children of MAHAK participate in many festivities and celebrations.  One of these events is the annual gathering at the gaming center.  Children who are under MAHAK care while receiving treatment in various hospitals along with their parents are invited to the gaming center for a special day with MAHAK.  Hossein for his 6th consecutive year upon riding a roller coaster yells with joy “I’m not afraid”  filling the room with his excitement.  Ali while riding the bumper cars would crash into all his friends. Maryam, dressed like a princess would only ride the merry go round.  The happiness and joy was evident, as Nowruz is a revival of hope and happiness for the children and parents of MAHAK.

We at MAHAK also wish for the day that every child defeats cancer and spreads the herald of Nowruz year after year.  MAHAK fully appreciates all the kindness and support benevolent members and volunteers selflessly provide which, through these types of activities, help children remain children, giving them hope and conviction, preventing them from becoming reclusive, and thus assisting them in maximizing their chances for recovery and returning to normal life afterwards.